Am I losing my mind to think that an IMC (2006) 304.10 guardrail would be req'd next to solar collectors on a flat roof. The end units are 5'6" from edge of roof. I don't know enough about them to detemine if they require maintenance per that section. I know this is the IBC forum but thought I would get a quicker answer here than in commercial mechanical. Thanks.
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Guardrail req'd at rooftop PV arrays?
- Thread starter tom
- Start date
Coug Dad
Platinum Member
304.10 Guards.
Guards shall be provided where appliances, equipment, fans or other components that require service and roof hatch openings are located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor, roof or grade below. The guard shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) beyond each end of such appliances, equipment, fans, components and roof hatch openings and the top of the guard shall be located not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) above the elevated surface adjacent to the guard. The guard shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a 21-inch-diameter (533 mm) sphere and shall comply with the loading requirements for guards specified in the International Building Code.
If the panels are fixed, there is a point of opinion that they do not require service. If they are movable panels, the motors, gears, belts, etc would require service and I think the guards would be required.
Guards shall be provided where appliances, equipment, fans or other components that require service and roof hatch openings are located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor, roof or grade below. The guard shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) beyond each end of such appliances, equipment, fans, components and roof hatch openings and the top of the guard shall be located not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) above the elevated surface adjacent to the guard. The guard shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a 21-inch-diameter (533 mm) sphere and shall comply with the loading requirements for guards specified in the International Building Code.
If the panels are fixed, there is a point of opinion that they do not require service. If they are movable panels, the motors, gears, belts, etc would require service and I think the guards would be required.
mtlogcabin
SAWHORSE
Agree with Coug Dad I do not believe a solar panel with no moving parts would require a guard. However if the solar panel is for hydronic heat or cooling as regulated under the IMC then I believe a guard would be required
2006 IMC
1402.1 Access.
Access shall be provided to solar energy equipment and appliances for maintenance.
2006 IMC
1402.1 Access.
Access shall be provided to solar energy equipment and appliances for maintenance.